16 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Size & Ultrasound Insights

Hello, Glowing Mama! 

You're 16 weeks pregnant—can you believe it? You’re well into your second trimester now, and for many moms-to-be, this week marks the beginning of that “feel-good” phase. Nausea is likely fading, energy levels are bouncing back, and your baby bump is making a charming appearance. You’re probably starting to feel a little more like you again, just with a side of baby magic.

From how your baby is growing to what to expect at your 16-week ultrasound, let’s explore everything happening this week inside that beautiful belly of yours.

Baby Growth At Week 16

Your little one is going through a serious growth spurt! At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly the size of an avocado—measuring about 11.9 cm long. And they weigh around 100 grams. Their body is growing faster than their head now, giving them a more proportionate, baby-like appearance.

Internally, bones are hardening, facial muscles are developing, and tiny toenails are forming. Your baby’s eyes are finally moving (though still closed), and their ears have positioned themselves just right. They may even be able to hear muffled sounds from the world outside!

16 Weeks Pregnant: Which Month Are You In?

Wondering where you are in the pregnancy calendar? At 16 weeks, you’re about 4 months pregnant, cruising through the second trimester. You’re nearly halfway there, and doing amazing!

Ultrasound Insights at Week 16

Depending on your doctor, you may or may not have a scheduled ultrasound this week. But if you do get a sneak peek, here's what might show up:

• Heartbeat Check: You’ll likely hear your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler. A healthy fetal heart rate usually ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute. Doctors check this during ultrasounds or prenatal visits to make sure your baby is doing well.
• Gender: Around 16 weeks, your baby’s genitals and other organs start forming, and the process of gender differentiation begins. To confirm and monitor this development, doctors generally recommend an 18–to 20-week anatomy scan.
• Baby’s Movements on Screen: The fetal movements are often called "quickening", which can happen between 16 and 25 weeks. Even if you can't feel it yet at week 16, you'll likely see your baby wiggle, stretch, or even suck their thumb on the ultrasound.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 16

As you step deeper into your second trimester, you might notice new physical and emotional changes taking shape. While some early pregnancy discomforts may be easing, your body is still working overtime to support your growing baby. Here are some of the most common symptoms you may experience if you’re 16 weeks pregnant:

1) Round Ligament Pain

As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, the ligaments supporting it stretch and thin. This can cause sharp or sudden pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen, especially when you move quickly, stand up too fast, or change positions in bed. It’s totally normal, though if it becomes intense or persistent, do speak with your doctor.

2) Breast Growth & Tenderness

Your breasts are still going through changes, preparing to eventually produce milk. You may notice they continue to grow, feel fuller or heavier, and you might even see visible veins. Some women may also begin to notice early signs of colostrum (a yellowish pre-milk fluid).

3) Nasal Congestion & Nosebleeds

You might notice your nose feels more blocked than usual, or you’ve had a light nosebleed out of nowhere. This happens when pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow cause swelling in your nasal passages.1 It’s nothing to worry about—just stay hydrated and breathe in some soothing mist from a humidifier.

4) Increased Appetite

Feeling hungrier than usual? That’s normal! As your baby grows, your body needs more energy to support both you and your growing baby. So aim for nutritious, balanced meals and healthy snacks to keep yourself energised throughout the day.

5) Skin Changes

Darker skin patches (called melasma or the “mask of pregnancy”) or a dark line down your abdomen (linea nigra) may begin to appear.

6) Emotional Shifts

As hormones continue to fluctuate, you may feel more emotionally sensitive or notice mood swings. At one moment, you may feel extremely happy, and overwhelmed the next.

7) Constipation or Bloating

The hormone progesterone slows down digestion to allow more time for nutrient absorption. Unfortunately, that can lead to constipation and bloating. 1 Drinking water, eating fibre-rich foods, and staying active can help.

Your Belly At 16 Weeks Pregnant

At 16th week of pregnancy, your bump becomes more visible and the uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and belly button.10 This means your belly is gently rounding out and may pop any day now—if it hasn’t already!

Your Baby's Movement At Week 16

If you’ve been pregnant before, you might notice those first tiny movements—often called “quickening”—around this time. You may feel them like light flutters or soft taps in your belly. If it’s your first pregnancy, though, you might not feel anything until closer to 18 or even 20 weeks.

With so much happening this week, let’s go over a few simple tips to keep you feeling your best. 

Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy At 16 Weeks

1) Drink Plenty Of Water

Try to sip water throughout the day—it helps with digestion, prevents constipation, and keeps your energy levels steady.

2) Choose Balanced Meals

Craving everything in sight? Totally normal. Just try to build meals with a mix of protein, healthy fats, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. 1 Your baby’s growing fast and needs all those nutrients!

3) Get Quality Sleep

Tired even after a full night’s sleep? That’s okay. Growing a tiny human is no small job. Don’t hesitate to sneak in naps or put your feet up when you need to recharge.

4) Move a Little, Gently

As you have entered the second trimester, it is important to take a short walk each day or practise some gentle prenatal stretches. It will help you keep your body moving, aid digestion, and lift your mood too. Just be sure to pay attention to how you're feeling—and take breaks whenever you need to.

5) Talk To Your Close Ones

Whether you’re excited, nervous, emotional, or all of the above—talk about it. Share your emotions without bottling up with your partner, a friend, or your doctor.

6) Don’t Skip Prenatal Vitamins

Keep taking your folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA supplements each day—unless your doctor tells otherwise.

7) Keep Up With Appointments

Never miss or skip your scheduled prenatal appointment in any way. They are actually crucial in tracking your baby’s growth and your overall health.

The Final Say

Now that you're 16 weeks pregnant, you are closer to holding your little one in your arms. Things are changing—your body, your baby, your daily routine—and that’s all part of the process. So try not to overthink each and every new feeling that pops. Instead, listen to your body and take things slowly. That’s all for this week. We’ll be back with more updates when Week 17 rolls around!